FAQs
For Installers
What are the minimum technical requirements?
The Alpha7 needs to be permanently connected to a regular 230V RCD protected supply. It can be fitted indoors or outdoors, surface or post mounted, and must be fitted at a height of between 0.9 and 1.5m from the ground. There are no access restrictions. No WiFi signal or network connection is needed, although a WiFi signal or an EtherNet cable will be needed if you want to access your charger remotely. The Alpha7 is suitable for private domestic and private workplace locations.
Is the Alpha7 easy to install?
The Alpha7 has been designed with the installer in mind. The box insert contains a helpful template to aid in marking out the 4 stainless steel mounting screws (supplied). High-quality DeWalt fixing plugs are also included. The supply cable can be fitted from any direction. Extra finger space in the terminal chamber and extra-large terminal apertures will ease installation. Simple DIP-switch selection configures the output current limit, dynamic load-balancing option, and load sharing. You’ll be done in no time!
Does the Alpha7 need an earth rod?
The Alpha7 has built-in PEN ground-fault protection in accordance with the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, section 722.411.4.1 iv. An integral 30mA AC and 6mA DC earth leakage protection device is also included. An earth rod or an expensive external PME PEN fault protection device is not required.
Do I need to install the home "Dynamic load-balancing"?
Installers should consider the main incomer fuse rating, the existing installed load, and whether the addition of an EV charger will likely lead to overloading. The Alpha7 dynamic load monitoring kit is an easy and inexpensive solution to ensure safe and reliable installations. Don't forget to select one on your order!
Are cable glands pre-fitted?
No: differing cable size requirements and a variety of possible cable entry points would mean that we would inevitably supply you product with the wrong size of gland in the wrong place. The Alpha7 housing helpfully has a number of "dimples" in useful places for correct gland placement, depending on cable configuration. We do provide a gland with the CT coil which is used for Dynamic Load balancing or for Solar integration.
What are the mounting dimensions?
The mounting dimensions for Alpha7 EV charger are simple and straightforward: 4 off holes in a rectangle 215 by 95mm. High quality stainless steel screws and DeWalt wall plugs are supplied with the Alpha7. The drill size for the wall plugs supplied is 8mm, drill depth of at least 40mm.
Alternatively you may wish to consider the FastAmps Alpha7 EV charger mounting post: see the Shop for details.
Why is the FastAmps Alpha7 charger easier to install?
It’s not easy installing: we know that. We have several innovations that make your life as an installer easier.
- You can easily remove the front of the charger by unclipping the ribbon cable: making cable access and mounting easier: simply reclip the ribbon when you are done.
- The box has a handy mounting template, doubling up as the insert, so that you know where to mark your holes for drilling.
- We provide you with a T20 security bit in every charger, so that you don’t have to go looking for one in your toolbox.
- Quality stainless screws and fixings mean that you have what’s needed to fit the charger.
- A variety of dimples on the bottom of the charger give you somewhere to aim for when cutting the cable-holes. It means you know that your glands will be centred when you fit them, even up to 32mm glands.
- Bottom, side, and rear gland mounting options: whatever the situation you know that you will be able to provide a tidy cable option for the customer.
- Plenty of length in the terminal chamber means that you can even fit 16mm SWA if you need to.
- Oversized wiring terminals mean that you can always fit your cables in.
- The BlueTooth® passcode for access to the app is in four places: on the user manual, on the cardboard box, on your delivery paperwork, as well as inside the charger. It makes it easier to find it when you need to.
- Simple BlueTooth® commissioning via the FastAmps app on your phone means that you don’t have to find the WiFi unless the customer needs it: how often have you had a customer that doesn’t know what their WiFi password is?
- A simple app-based solution to enable dynamic load balancing.
- UK based technical help, from people that have first-hand experience, and who actually answer the phone. No tickets or “we’ll ring you later” here: immediate help is on hand if you need it.
Try FastAmps out today to see how easy EV charger installation and commissioning can be!
Is there a volume discount?
Yes. Contact us if you re regularly buying Alpha7 chargers or if you need larger quantities: we would love to meet up with you.
Can I set up an account with FastAmps?
FastAmps are happy to arrange accounts and terms for regular customers. Contact us for more information.
What's the difference between Type1, Type2, CCS2, and Chademo connectors?
Type1 and type2 connectors are lower power, AC charging, connectors that you are likely to use at home. Type 1 connectors are no longer fitted to vehicles and are only found on older cars (pre-2014) that were typically imported from Japan and Korea (eg Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and Kia Soul). All cars now sold in the UK have a type2 connector fitted.
CCS2 and Chademo are high power, DC charging, connectors that you will find attached to rapid charging stations. Chademo connectors are no longer fitted to vehicles and are only found on older cars (pre-2014) that were typically imported from Japan (eg Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and Kia Soul). Chademo connectors are limited to 50kW. All cars now sold in the UK have a CCS2 connector fitted.
Here's a picture of what the different connectors look like:
